Performance arts on the rise

The David Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) which was inaugurated in September 2010, has in view of its rapid and unprecedented growth speeded up its expansion programme to include the commencement of classes for 3 – 6 year olds, beat boxing classes and the publication of graded training and resources, to enhance the academy’s portfolio announced DAPA’s founder and principal trainer, André David.

Speaking on the accelerated development programme, Andre who is an award-winning voice and performance teacher said that in a matter of months the fledgling academy grew from five to nearly a hundred students. This demand led to the establishment of two centres in Moratuwa and Kohuwela and individual voice training classes at Kalubowila, Andre explained.

According to Andre David, who is also the Deputy Director, Deputy Conductor and Choreographer of the prestigious Mary Anne School of Vocal Music and the senior performing group the Merry an Singers, also said that the persistent demand for beginners’ classes led him to commence the recruitment and training of vocal music teachers well before originally planned. With effect from June this year, DAPA will launch its classes for the pre-school age group and admissions are ongoing for these classes. Vocal music teacher Ashini Wickrema, who has been trained at DAPA in keeping with the academy’s programme, will conduct these classes. Ashini had her initial training in singing technique under the late Ruwani Seimon. She has also undergone training in performance and voice technique in the UK, studied speech and drama, and has successfully worked with children of this age, both locally and in the UK.

The internationally famous art of ‘beat boxing’, which is fast gaining popularity in Sri Lanka, is also included in the new curriculum offered. This intriguing form of vocal percussion, which is very much a part of the trendy hip-hop culture, will be conducted by Julius Mitchell who is also a member of the Merry an Singers. “Julius is an outstanding musician and a fine exponent of the art of Beat Boxing and training under him would be a great experience for students interested in this genre,” Andre added.

When asked if there were any other plans for this year, Andre’s wife and the manager for DAPA, Dinali David said that a concert have been scheduled for later this year and a few more performance related subjects would be added to their portfolio soon. The DAPA website (www.dapasrilanka.com) will also be upgraded shortly and will carry details of all training programmes offered at the academy, news of upcoming concerts, competitions etc. and resources for students of the performing arts.

With its many innovative and ground breaking ideas in the pipeline, this vibrant and progressive organization is well on its way to being the much needed professional performing arts company which offers a wide range of  training programmes in the diverse disciplines that constitute the arena of performance arts.